Tips for driving in Europe

Tuesday 31st August 2021

Headed to Europe and want to know more about driving in Europe requirements? You’re in the right place. If you’re unsure how driving in Europe after Brexit will affect you or you simply want to get your hands on some top tips for how to drive in Europe, read our dedicated guide today to find out everything you need to know.

Driving in Europe requirements

There are a few documents to prepare and equipment to get your hands on before driving through Europe.

Documents

Full, valid driving licence and national insurance number
Proof of vehicle and travel insurance
Proof of ID (passport)
If you’ll be driving in your own vehicle, you also need to carry your V5C logbook.
If the vehicle is hired or leased, then you need a VE103 form to show you have permission to take it out of the UK
European Breakdown Cover policy number and documents

For a full checklist, as well as a plan-ahead timeline before your trip to Europe, visit our Driving Abroad Checklist guide.

Equipment

Reflective jackets
Warning triangle
Headlamp beam deflectors (depending on your car, you’ll either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually)

Some countries require other equipment, such as a first aid kit, breathalyser or fire extinguishers. For more information, the AA have published a ’Compulsory Kit guide’ for each European country.

Driving in Europe after Brexit

Now that the UK is outside the European Union (EU), it means changes for you when driving in Europe from the start of 2021.

Driving Licence – most UK drivers are still able to use their normal driving licence to drive in EU countries, but there are some exceptions. Those who only have a paper licence, as well as licences that were issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, must check if they need to buy an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can check with the embassy of the country you are planning to drive in to see if you need an IDP. If required, you can purchase an IDP from a post office for £5.50. The government has issued guidance for particular countries as well as information on which type of IDP is needed for each country.
Insurance – UK motorists no longer need to carry a green card to prove they have insurance when driving in the EU. Your normal insurance documents are enough, but you should check with your insurer to find out how much cover you will have in Europe.
GB Sticker – until late September 2021, UK motorists mostly need a GB sticker. The government has issued GB licence plate exceptions and other rules. But after September 28th 2021, the sticker will need to be changed from GB to UK. At this point, you will need a sticker to drive abroad, even if you have GB on your number plate.

Top 10 tips for driving in Europe

1. Get comfortable being on the right - unless you’re heading to Malta, Cyprus or the Republic of Ireland, you'll be driving on the right. If you’re in a hire car, make sure you take some time to get used to the gear stick and handbrake being on the right. If you’re driving your own vehicle, adapt to your new position on the road and take extra care when overtaking.

2. Adjust your headlights - make sure you adjust your headlamps ready for driving on the right-hand side of the road – this means you won’t dazzle any oncoming drivers. Headlamp converters (stickers you put on your headlights) are widely available.

3. Know the laws – lots of European countries have unique laws that might seem strange to a UK driver. For example, in Portugal it is illegal to carry bicycles on the back of a car and in Belarus, Romania and Russia, driving a dirty car is illegal. Eating and drinking is prohibited in Cyprus, whereas in France drivers must not use headphones or headsets.

4. European highway code – take note of speed limits (they may be in km), differing road signs and mandatory essential kit before setting off on your trip.

5. Look out for long tunnels - road tunnels can be surprisingly long in Europe (the longest is in Norway at 15 miles long) and may feel unsettling. Remember to keep your lights on, remove any sunglasses and keep your distance. It might be comforting to look out for emergency exits.

6. Don’t let lack of research take its toll - if you're driving around Europe, you'll sometimes need to pay a toll to use the road (there are 40 tolls in Spain and 90 in France). You can mostly pay by card, but it’s handy to carry plenty of notes and coins just in case. In some countries, like Portugal, you need to pre-pay tolls – so it’s important to do your research beforehand.

7. Sat Nav is your friend - there’s nothing worse than getting lost down narrow European roads, especially when language barriers are involved. Make sure your car has a Sat Nav, and a charging cable. And when you’re in France, make sure you disable any speed detection on the device – as it is illegal to use technology to predict locations of speed cameras.

8. Take it slow - it’s easy to slip back into UK driving mode. Take extra care and leave more space between cars – this way, you’ll be safer, and your passengers can soak up the views.

9. Driving in the heat – parts of Europe can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in the summer. It’s worth packing plenty of sunscreen, making sure your air con is working and avoiding tyre bursts. For more tips for driving in hotter climates, visit the Tips for driving in summer guide.

10. Vehicle check – now that you’re prepared, before you head to Europe, it’s important to make sure your car is prepared too. Book your vehicle in for a service today or find your nearest Formula One Autocentre.

If you have any concerns about your vehicle or simply want to learn more about driving in Europe, get in touch with a member of our expert team today.